Endodontic FAQ

Modern anesthetics have revolutionized pain control in endodontic treatment.  The stereotypic phrase, "as painful as a root canal," no longer holds true because of the scientific advances in pain control through anesthesia. The days of comparing dentistry to the movie Marathon Man are gone and Steve Martin’s hysterical portrayal of a dentist in Little Shop of Horrors is left solely to the realm of theater. We might not gain the claim of being as pleasant as a spa, but you’ll see us work hard to earn a spa-like experience.

We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will place a small amount of anesthetic to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.

It is important to us that you experience a “stress-free” appointment. Dental stress is often linked to experiences in the past. We give you our promise that we will do our very best to provide you with a totally different experience. If you have any special requests that help you to relax, we are open and receptive to help you.

As levels of inflammation and bone involvement can change in a matter of hours around a problematic tooth, we will take radiographs (x-rays) during your consultation. However, if you have any x-rays that were taken by your dentist, please bring them with you. Dr. Ames uses the latest digital x-ray technology which reduces your radiation exposure by up to 90%. No matter what treatment you have in our office, we will only take the radiographs necessary to properly diagnose and treat your tooth.

Yes, we accept payment from all insurance companies.  Your treatment is customized to your exact needs. In other words, “one size root canal does not fit all”. Due to insurance regulations we are required to submit for payment when your treatment is complete; therefore, we ask for one half of the cost of the procedure at the time of treatment. From there we will submit a claim to your insurance company and most of the time they cover the remaining balance.

Many patients enjoy financing options through Care Credit and submitting an application for approval is as easy as a mouse click.  www.carecredit.com.  Regardless of payment option, ultimately, you are responsible for all fees.  Greater details related to fees and payment options will be explained further at your first appointment.

Yes. For most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office to evaluate the clinical signs and conditions to assure proper healing.  There are no charges for post-care follow up appointments.

You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.

It is normal for your tooth to be sore for the first few days (3-4) after root canal therapy has been completed. Initially, no chewing or minimal soft foods are recommended, as they will provide less discomfort during chewing. The soreness may continue for up to one week. Your tooth may feel different for 2-3 weeks. By the end of the fourth week, it should feel like your other teeth.

Occasionally, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment fails to heal or pain continues despite therapy. Although rare, sometimes a tooth initially responds to root canal therapy but becomes painful or diseased months or years later. When either of these situations occurs, the tooth can often be managed and stabilized with a second endodontic treatment.

The alternative to root canal treatment is removal of the tooth from the mouth. Once the pulp is affected beyond its ability to heal, it will lead to either an inflammatory response or an infective reaction. Neither are healthy, and both require some form of treatment. The treatment options at this time would be extraction of the tooth or root canal therapy. For reasons of health and financial savings, it is advisable to keep your natural tooth whenever possible.